When Is the Right Time to Follow Up After an Interview?

You interviewed for a great new job. You thought you were a shoo-in. But it’s been two weeks and you haven’t heard a thing. You want to follow up, but don’t want to be a pest. What’s the best way to handle this scenario? Here are some tips to help you from Kingwood Personnel, one of North Houston’s most trusted employment agencies:

Talk next steps before the end of the interview.

It’s too late now. But, in the future, if an employer doesn’t bring it up, it’s up to you to ask about next steps in the hiring process. This way, if they tell you they’ll be making a decision in two to three weeks, you have a framework to work within. When week one after the interview comes and goes, you won’t be worried. You’ll know when to expect a callback and when it’s most appropriate time to follow up if you don’t get one.

Remember, hiring can often take longer than expected.

So, the hiring manager told you you’d hear back in two weeks and it’s now been three. Does that mean you didn’t get the job? Maybe. Maybe not. Hiring can often take longer than expected with unforeseen glitches and obstacles that happen along the way. If you don’t hear back within the timeframe they told you, don’t assume the worst. At this point, follow-up.

Be polite and to the point.

When you’re ready to follow up with the hiring manager, be direct in your email. Simply say something like: “I’m following up on the administrative assistant position I interviewed for three weeks ago. I’m still really interested and was wondering if you could share with me where you are in the hiring process.” At this point, you can also ask if they need anything else from you – such as references – to keep the process moving along.

Don’t pester them.

If you don’t hear back from them within a few days, then you can follow up again with a similarly worded email. However, at that point, if you don’t hear back, then it’s time to move on. Don’t send them a nasty email, no matter how tempting it may be. Instead, continue your search with your head held high.

But what if you didn’t ask about next steps during the hiring process? When should you follow up in that case? Wait about two weeks and – if you don’t hear anything – send a quick email inquiring about the status of the hiring process. Also, during those two weeks, don’t sit by your phone and constantly check your email. Do your best to keep your mind off the job and to continue your pursuit of other opportunities.